Ilie Belivakici

Ilie Belivakici, 89, a resident of Clarks Summit Senior Living, formerly of Nicholson, entered into eternal rest on Thursday February 19th at home with his devoted wife Ursula by his side. Born in Serbia, he is the son of the late Dragina and Milivoje Belivakici. Ilie graduated from High School in Serbia and was a graduate of the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia. Ilie escaped from Yugoslavia where he was imprisoned because he refused to join the communist party. He and two others escaped from prison and traveled several weeks by night and crossed into Italy where he was granted asylum. While in the refugee camp he joined the US Army under the Lodge Act which would grant US citizenship after completion of service. He was a proud veteran who served as a rifleman in the Infantry. During his career as an engineer, Ilie invented plastic soda bottles, high density Styrofoam cups for which he secured patents while employed at American Can Co. Ilie finished his career employed as an engineer in the optical quality lenses industry and was the developer of the process to manufacture optical plastic lenses at Gentex. Ilie enjoyed a good conversation which always ended with advice to help you live your best life. Ilie and Ursula loved their homestead and spending time together enjoying the natural beauty surrounding them. They raised many types of animals throughout the years including sheep. Ilie enjoyed spinning yarn with the wool from their sheep, and was a gifted weaver making many rugs and placemats on his loom. He enjoyed showing off his handmade products and demonstrating weaving at the Sheep and Wool Festival in Harford.  Ilie also enjoyed tending to a variety of vegetable and flower gardens. He missed his faithful companion, Lulu. Ilie loved his family and was very proud of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Ursula, son, Thomas Belivakici and wife Crystal, Hanover, PA, daughters, Ruth Belivakici Davies and husband Bruce, Scranton, and Donna Belivakici Fedorka, Dickson City, 2 sisters in Germany and Switzerland, 7 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.  Ilie was predeceased by 1 granddaughter, Julia Elizabeth Davies in 2009 and son-in-law Michael Fedorka in 2025. A Memorial Service will be held at a future date. Memorial Contributions can be made to Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Rd., South Abington Township, PA 18411 or Saint Joseph's Center, 2010 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509. Services are under the direction and care of the Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home & Cremation Services LLC, West Scranton.